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Phú Quốc, Vietnam
Water & Beaches
• Snorkeling or scuba diving at An Thoi Islands (southern archipelago – clear waters, coral reefs).
• Sao Beach (white sand, turquoise sea — one of Vietnam’s most beautiful).
• Kayaking at Cua Can River.
• Sunset boat trip with squid fishing (fun nighttime activity).
Nature & Walks
• Phú Quốc National Park: hiking trails, jungle walks, waterfalls.
• Suoi Tranh Waterfall (gentle hike, lush greenery).
Culture & Food
• Phú Quốc Prison Museum (wartime history).
• Visit a pepper farm or fish sauce factory (famous exports).
• Night market in Duong Dong for seafood + souvenirs.
Coffee & Relaxation
• Beachfront cafés at Ong Lang or Long Beach for sunsets.
🌊 Water Activities
• Island Hopping (An Thoi Archipelago)
Take a speedboat tour of small islands (e.g. May Rut, Mong Tay, Gam Ghi). Snorkel reefs, swim in turquoise water, and picnic on remote beaches.
• Scuba Diving
Dive sites at An Thoi (south) and Turtle Island (north). The south has the best coral.
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Available at Cua Can River or in the calm bays around Ong Lang Beach.
• Night Squid Fishing Trip
Board a local fishing boat, try catching squid, and enjoy seafood cooked fresh on board.
• Jet Skiing / Parasailing
Available at Long Beach (Bãi Trường) and Ganh Dau.
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🏖 Beaches
• Sao Beach (Bãi Sao)
White sand, palm trees, calm swimming water. Probably the most photogenic.
• Khem Beach (Bãi Khem)
Quieter, less touristy, turquoise waters.
• Ong Lang Beach
Good for sunsets, chilled vibe with beach bars.
• Ganh Dau Beach
Remote, authentic fishing village atmosphere with views across to Cambodia.
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🌿 Nature & Walks
• Phú Quốc National Park
Trekking trails through dense jungle, waterfalls, and rare wildlife.
• Suoi Tranh Waterfall
Small waterfall with picnic spots and a short jungle trail.
• Ham Ninh Fishing Village
Wooden pier, mountain backdrop, and fresh seafood restaurants right on the water.
• Starfish Beach (Rach Vem)
Shallow waters filled with red starfish — best on calm days, great photo spot.
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Cafes
Cafe Oshima
Nong oi coffee shop (must visit)
Ngam coffee
Matte matcha and tea bar
Space 13
Soko
Garden kisses bake shop (matcha!!!!)
Tiem ca phe noong oi (forest cafe)
Dalaland coffee
Matte (matcha D7)
Food
The Melbourne cafe (brunch)
• War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace for history.
• Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office (French colonial architecture).
• Ben Thanh Market (shopping & food).
• Explore Nguyen Hue Walking Street at night (street performances, lights).
Shopping & Coffee
• High-end shopping: Saigon Centre, Takashimaya Mall.
• Famous coffee culture: Cong Caphe (retro vibe), The Workshop (specialty coffee).
Walks
• Riverside along Saigon River.
• Chinatown (Cholon) for temples and bustling streets.
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Hội An, Vietnam
Beaches:
Cham islands
An bang beach
Coconut beach
Cua dai
Khue my beach (da nang)
Island:
To visit Cù Lao Chàm from Hoi An on a day trip, start by taking a taxi or motorbike (15–30 minutes) to Cửa Đại Port, then board a high-speed canoe or speedboat for the 20-minute ride across the sea. A return ticket costs around 450,000 VND (about £13–£15), and upon arrival you’ll pay small entrance and eco-fees of roughly 80,000–100,000 VND (£2–£3). The island is best enjoyed for its pristine beaches and snorkelling: spots like Bai Xep and Bai Chong offer clear waters, coral reefs, and plenty of space to relax. Snorkelling equipment is usually available as part of organised tours or can be rented locally, giving you the chance to see colourful marine life close to shore. Between swims, you can enjoy a seafood lunch on the beach for 50,000–150,000 VND (£1.50–£5). Boats typically return to the mainland in the afternoon, so setting out early ensures you have plenty of time to explore and unwind before heading back to Hoi An.
To eat:
ROSIE'S CAFE
NOURISH
PORT CITY BAGELS
COM LINH
MORNING GLORY
GOLDEN DRAGON
Ellie’s cafe
Bread and butter bakery (da nang)
Thom’s sourdough
Danasol (Cafe da nang)
The hideout (da nang)
Wind cafe (da nang)
Craft cafe (da nang)
Breco (da nang)
Homnay cafe (da nang)
Coffee / matcha :
BUTTERCUP BY ROSIE'S
HADI COFFEE
HYGGE
25s
To do:
Wonder through hoi an old town
Babylon spa (da nang, lem recommends)
Water & Beaches
• An Bang Beach (laid-back bars, sunbathing).
• Basket boat rides in the coconut palm waterways of Cam Thanh Village.
• Snorkeling/boat trip to Cham Islands (if weather permits).
Culture & Walks
• Stroll through the Ancient Town (UNESCO site) — lantern-lit evenings are magical.
• Japanese Covered Bridge, Old Merchant Houses, Assembly Halls.
• Lantern making workshop.
Shopping
• Tailor-made clothing (Hội An is famous for custom suits/dresses).
• Night market for lanterns, crafts, and street food.
Coffee & Food
• Riverside cafés with lantern views.
• Take a cooking class (local specialties like cao lầu, white rose dumplings).